In Eminenti Apostolatus

In eminenti Apostolatus specula is a papal bull of Pope Clement XII. , With which he condemned Freemasonry on 28 April 1738.

Against Freemasonry

The tone of this bull is very sharp and is directed against the already - especially in France - resulting lodges, their growth and dissemination from the perspective of the Pope posed a threat. The development of these supposed " secret societies " must be prevented in order to preserve the Catholic world from the associated risks, or even its destruction.

Clement XII. reminded the audience that it is a crime against nature if they would spread these supposed "sects", finally they stopped to have hidden from the public and if they did not hurt anyone, they would not hate the light. This is also the reason why these companies had been in several states already banned and banished. After internal discussions and due to his apostolic authority he had decided to condemn these companies and to prohibit.

Condemnation of Freemasonry

In this letter, especially five points enumerated, which justified this prohibition:

Exhortation and the Inquisition

In his Exhortation he warns against any contact to help them or to supply them and also not secret or indirectly to cooperate with these groups. Threatening a strict ban of excommunication and he forbids all Christians dealing in infringement can not be granted absolution. He instructs all bishops and higher clergy to put an end to this heresy by the Inquisition, he demands severe penalties and prosecution and disruption of these companies by the state authorities.